Letnic M. & Dworjanyn S. A. (2011) Does a top predator reduce the predatory impact of an invasive mesopredator on an endangered rodent? Ecography 34, 827-35.

Letnic M. & Dworjanyn S. A. (2011) Does a top predator reduce the predatory impact of an invasive mesopredator on an endangered rodent? Ecography 34, 827-35.

Aim:

Compare the abundances of the red fox and an endangered prey species (dusky hopping mouse, Notomys fuscus), predator diets, and N. fuscus foraging behaviour in the presence and absence of the dingo.

Type of Study:

Manipulative experiment

Key Results:

The population increase of N. fuscus following rainfall was dampened in the absence of dingoes. Notomys fuscus exhibited lower giving-up densities in the presence of dingoes, consistent with the prediction that their perceived risk of predation would be lower and foraging efficiency greater in the presence of the dingo.

Treatments:

Dingo control vs un-controlled properties

Response:

Red fox suppression by the dingo can create a safer environment for prey species.

Models:

Frequentist ANOVA, ANOSIM, SIMPER, nMDS

Reviewer:

Aaron Greenville

Locations:

Strzelecki Desert

Response variable :

index of abundance, counts, GUDs, % occurrence

Replication:

3 spotlight counts, either side of dingo fence.

Ecosystem:

Arid zone

Full Reference:

Letnic M. & Dworjanyn S. A. (2011) Does a top predator reduce the predatory impact of an invasive mesopredator on an endangered rodent? Ecography 34, 827-35.